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Development and Maintenance of a Preclinical Patient Derived Tumor Xenograft Model for the Investigation of Novel Anti-Cancer Therapies
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Current and Emerging Therapies for Targeting the ERK1/2 & PI3K Pathways in Cancer

Ethan Abizadeh1, Eli Berglas1, Aaron Abizadeh2

  • 1College of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|September 13, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Dysregulated ERK1/2 and PI3K pathways drive cancer. This review covers pathway components, roles in tumor progression, and the development of targeted inhibitors and combination therapies to overcome resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Cell Signaling

Background:

  • The Extracellular signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase (PI3K) signaling pathways are crucial for normal cellular functions.
  • Dysregulation and overactivation of these pathways are common in various cancers, correlating with poor prognosis and treatment resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the key components of the ERK1/2 and PI3K pathways.
  • To elucidate their roles in cancer progression and tumor development.
  • To discuss the development of inhibitors and combination therapies targeting these pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific articles and clinical trial data.
  • Analysis of signaling pathway components and their interactions.
  • Examination of therapeutic strategies and their efficacy.

Main Results:

  • Detailed overview of the ERK1/2 and PI3K pathway signaling cascades.
  • Identification of critical roles in promoting cancer cell proliferation, survival, and metabolism.
  • Summary of current and emerging inhibitors and combination therapies.

Conclusions:

  • The ERK1/2 and PI3K pathways are significant drivers of cancer.
  • Targeted inhibitors and combination therapies show promise in enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
  • Further research and clinical trials are essential to optimize these strategies for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
AKTEGFRERKFGFR3MEKPI3KPTENRAFRASmTOR

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